Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Rahab, also spelled Rachab, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, primarily known for her role in the conquest of Jericho as recorded in the Book of Joshua. Her account is one of redemption and faith, illustrating God's grace and the inclusion of Gentiles into His covenant community. Biblical Account: Rahab first appears in Joshua 2, where she is identified as a prostitute living in the city of Jericho. When Joshua sent two spies to scout the city, Rahab provided them shelter and protection from the king's men. In exchange for her assistance, she requested safety for herself and her family when the Israelites would attack Jericho. The spies agreed, instructing her to tie a scarlet cord in her window as a sign of protection. The narrative continues in Joshua 6, where the Israelites, following God's instructions, marched around Jericho for seven days. On the seventh day, the walls of Jericho fell, and the city was taken. True to their promise, the spies spared Rahab and her family, integrating them into the Israelite community. "But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she had hidden the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho—and she lives among the Israelites to this day" (Joshua 6:25). Faith and Redemption: Rahab's account is a powerful testament to faith and redemption. Despite her background, she recognized the power of the God of Israel and acted in faith. Her declaration, "For the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below" (Joshua 2:11), demonstrates her belief in God's sovereignty and her willingness to align with His people. Genealogical Significance: Rahab's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus Christ underscores her importance in biblical history. In the Gospel of Matthew, she is listed as an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus: "Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab" (Matthew 1:5). This highlights the theme of God's grace extending beyond ethnic and moral boundaries, incorporating Gentiles into His redemptive plan. New Testament References: Rahab is mentioned in the New Testament as an exemplar of faith. In Hebrews 11:31, she is commended for her faith: "By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient" . James 2:25 also references her actions as evidence of living faith: "In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions when she welcomed the spies and sent them off in a different direction?" . Theological Implications: Rahab's account illustrates several key theological themes. Her faith and subsequent actions demonstrate the transformative power of belief in God. Her inclusion in the lineage of Christ signifies the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile, foreshadowing the universal scope of the Gospel. Rahab's life is a testament to the idea that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace and that faith can lead to redemption and inclusion in God's covenant community. Smith's Bible Dictionary Rahab or Rachab(wide), a celebrated woman of Jericho who received the spies sent by Joshua to spy out the land, hid them in her house from the pursuit of her countrymen, was saved with all her family when the Israelites sacked the city, and became the wife of Salmon and the ancestress of the Messiah. (Joshua 2:1; Matthew 1:5) (B.C. 1450.) She was a "harlot", and probably combined the trade of lodging-keeper for wayfaring men. Her reception of the spies, the artifice by which she concealed them from the king: their escape, and the saving of Rahab and her family at the capture of the city in accordance with their promise, are fold in the narrative of (Joshua 2:1) ... As regards Rahab herself, she probably repented, and we learn from (Matthew 1:5) that she became the wife of Salmon the son of Naasson, and the mother of Boaz, Jesse's grandfather. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews tells us that "by faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace," (Hebrews 11:31) and St. James fortifies his doctrine of justification by works by asking, "Was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way" (James 2:25) Greek 4460. Rhaab -- Rahab, a Canaanitess and an ancestor of Christ ... Rahab. Of Hebrew origin (Rachab); Raab (ie Rachab), a Canaanitess -- Rahab. See also Rhachab. see HEBREW Rachab. see GREEK Rhachab. (raab) -- 2 Occurrences. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4460.htm - 6k 4477. Rhachab -- Rachab. Strong's Hebrew 7343. Rachab -- a harlot in Jericho... Rahab. The same as rachab; proud; Rachab, a Canaanitess -- Rahab. see HEBREW rachab. 7342, 7343. Rachab. 7344 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/7343.htm - 6k Resources Is there such a thing as a necessary evil? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Joshua curse Jericho in Joshua 6:26? | GotQuestions.org Who was Achan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Rahab: (A Woman of Jericho) is Spared when the Israelites Captured Jericho Rahab: (A Woman of Jericho): An Ancestor of Joseph of Nazareth Rahab: (A Woman of Jericho): Assists the Spies of the Israelites Rahab: (A Woman of Jericho): The Faith of, Commended Rahab: A Symbolic Name Applied to Egypt Related Terms |
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